The Beat

Executive Series: Sanofi's Pattern Recognition in Vaccine Development with Deborah Glasser

Episode Summary

The vaccine business is highly competitive. But Sanofi stands out particularly well. In this episode of The Beat's Executive Series recorded at HLTH 2023, Deborah Glasser, Sanofi’s Head of Vaccines for North America, delves into Sanofi's extensive history in the vaccine business, focusing on areas such as influenza, neurology, and rare diseases. Deborah provides a glimpse into the groundbreaking RSV monoclonal antibody, Beyfortus, designed to protect infants from the leading cause of hospitalizations. She emphasizes the unique approach of using a monoclonal antibody for newborns, highlighting its potential to revolutionize RSV prevention. Deborah also touches on Sanofi's efforts in flu prevention, such as consumer education and the importance of immunization, especially for the vulnerable population aged 65 and older. She sheds light on Sanofi's innovative use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in both drug discovery and commercial practices and shares Sanofi's interest in collaborating with startups, particularly those aligned with health system goals. Tune in and learn how Sanofi's dedication to science and technology shapes the landscape of vaccine development and public health.

Episode Notes

About Deborah Glasser:

Deborah Glasser holds an MBA in Marketing and Finance from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a B.A. with honors from Tufts University. Deborah is currently the Head of Vaccines in North America at Sanofi. In this role, she spearheads a team committed to pursuing scientific breakthroughs, focusing on the development and enhancement of immunizations. Sanofi, a global pharmaceutical giant, places a strong emphasis on innovation, and Deborah plays a crucial role in driving the vision forward, expanding access to vaccines, and advancing public health initiatives throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Drawing on a rich and varied professional background, Deborah brings more than a decade of experience to her current role. Her journey includes an illustrious 13-year tenure at Biogen, where she held diverse positions across its U.S., European, and global organizations. Notably, she played a key role in the successful launch of Tecfidera, an oral multiple sclerosis product that achieved remarkable success, generating $1.3 billion in U.S. sales within its first four full quarters on the market.

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